Hosozao Shamisen Set “Nao”

Restored shamisen with a slender neck (hosozao), typically used for Nagauta, Kouta and Hauta playing style. If you are very tall or have very strong fingers, I recommend choosing an instrument with a wider neck for higher playing comfort.

This beautiful shamisen is made from shitan wood and is not just a real eye-catcher but a true gem. This wood is used for high-end instruments as it denser and thus harder and heavier. The deep dark color is the classic aesthetic ideal for shamisen. This instrument comes with a mauve-colord neo and a deep blue doukake with a contrasting white classic asanoha pattern. Also included in the package is a set of attached strings. The dou is skinned with natural skins that will wrap you in the authentic and warm sound of shamisen music.

If you don’t have one lying around to use, please consider getting a washi bag to protect your shamisen’s skin from humidity.

This neck is 23mm wide at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. The slightly slanted hatomune – the part where the neck enters the sound box – is typical for hosozao shamisen associated with Nagauta style. You can play up to position 19 with this kind of neck.

The tsukigata (the curved end of the tenjin) is in perfect condition, and the instrument’s wood has a beautiful luster that makes the grain pop. The neck is crafted in mitsuori style: It can be separated into three parts. This makes travelling with the shamisen very easy – even if you have to get by with light and small luggage.

The itomaki (tuning pegs) are made from ebony wood and are carved in a traditional way that makes them easy to grip despite their slender built.

The gold-colored zagane (metal fittings that hold the tuning pegs) look like stylized flowers and emphasize the beautiful classic look of this instrument.

All you need to add to your set to start playing are a koma, a bachi and a yubisuri. Depending on the style you intend to play and your personal preferences, you want to pick a certain kind of koma and bachi. Yubisuri come in different sizes, and I didn’t want to deprive you of the difficult yet fun choice between all the wonderful colors. I also recommend getting an adhesive dougomu or a hizagomu that will prevent the instrument from slipping off your thigh. Depending on your personal needs, you might want to consider getting a fujaku strip to mark the positions along the neck. Alternatively, you can mark positions individually or play without any markings.

If you need help with picking the right additions to this set, don’t hesitate to send a message and we will find the perfect match for you together.